Sydney Lewis Sydney Lewis
Associate Manager, Communications

Published

October 31, 2024

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The 25th annual Citizens Awards marks a milestone in recognizing organizations that transform business capabilities into engines of societal progress. This signature program represents a living chronicle of corporate citizenship in action, inspiring organizations to reimagine what's possible when business expertise meets social purpose.

The 2024 Citizens Awards celebrated innovators tackling society's most pressing challenges, from advancing digital literacy and STEM education to strengthening climate resilience and promoting civic engagement. This year's winners exemplify how business innovation can transform challenges into opportunities for community empowerment—from Vector Global Logistics mobilizing humanitarian aid for Ukraine to AT&T's pioneering climate data portal.

In an increasingly complex world where novel challenges are both emerging and increasing in frequency, these nine companies are answering the call with bold, creative solutions. Take Samsung's transformation of STEM education, reaching thousands of schools nationwide, or Southwest Airlines' creative approach to sustainability, turning aircraft materials into community opportunities. Their initiatives span from providing millions with digital skills to expanding access to mental healthcare in underserved communities.

Meet the winners of the 2024 Citizens Awards, joining 25 years of corporate citizenship excellence:

Best Corporate Steward Large Business: Tata Consultancy Services

Empowering communities through digital transformation and environmental stewardship.

a group of men posing for a photo
Balaji Ganapathy, Chief Social Responsibility Officer, Tata Consultancy Services (center)

Best Corporate Steward Small and Middle-Market Business: Vector Global Logistics

Creating humanitarian impact through purpose-driven logistics operations.

a man in a suit holding a trophy
Enrique Alvarez, Co-Founder and Managing Director, Vector Global Logistics

Best Commitment to Education Program: Samsung

Fostering innovation in schools by connecting STEM education to community solutions.

a woman holding a trophy
Angie Adams, Senior Manager, Corporate Citizenship, Samsung Electronics America

Best Community Improvement Program: Creature Comforts Brewing Company

Building stronger communities through collaborative early literacy initiatives.

a man holding a glass award
Fenwick Broyard, SVP of Commercial Operations, Creature Comforts Brewing Company

Best Community Resilience and Disaster Response Program: AT&T

Strengthening community resilience through localized climate data and disaster recovery solutions.

a woman holding a glass award
Ligia McEvoy, Director, Global Public Affairs, AT&T

Best Economic Opportunity and Empowerment Program: Capital One

Removing barriers to education through innovative financial aid support.

a woman holding a glass trophy
Jennifer Windbeck SVP, Head of Retail Bank Channels & Operations, Capital One

Best Health and Wellness Program: Teva Pharmaceuticals, USA, Inc.

Enhancing mental healthcare access for underserved patient populations.

a group of people posing for a photo
Carol Richardson, Sr Director, ESG and Health Equity, US President, Teva Cares Foundation (center)

Best Sustainability Program: Southwest Airlines

Advancing sustainability while creating global workforce development opportunities.

a woman holding a trophy
Ana Schwager, Senior Corporate Responsibility Program Manager, Southwest Airlines

Best Civic Engagement Program: Microsoft

Protecting democratic institutions through technological innovation and civic partnerships.

a man holding a glass trophy
Dave Leichtman, Director of Corporate Civic Responsibility, Microsoft

A Legacy in Action

This year's Citizens Awards recipients demonstrate that corporate citizenship isn't just about giving back—it's about moving forward together. Their achievements showcase how purpose-driven leadership can catalyze lasting change, whether by shipping humanitarian aid to crisis zones, inspiring the next generation of STEM innovators, or strengthening democratic processes through technology.

The 2025 Citizens Awards nomination period opens in Spring 2025.

About the authors

Sydney Lewis

Sydney Lewis

Sydney Lewis is associate communications manager at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

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